Canadian by birth, Southern (Ontario) by the Grace of God.- yeah it's a Lynyrd Skynyrd reference

Thursday, July 01, 2004

HAPPY CANADA DAY

Indeed it is a happy Canada Day. We went to Fort Malden this afternoon and witness an interesting sight, 137 people took the oath of citizenship today and became Canadians. I didn't expect that but it was a delight to see; people from all over the world were making Canada their official country. From this point on they will be able to call themselves Canadians. They promised to be true to their new home and obey the laws and be good citizens.

I know there are a number of challenges facing this land I love but it restores my faith in the dominion to know people are willing to take this step. When you think about it, it's severing their old ties and loyalties and becoming one with their native land. Made me feel good to be a Canadian.

The local paper The Windsor Star featured a column by Victoria Billingsley. In her column she bemoans the fact that our first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald is forgotten today. She wrote this poignant passage "Nevertheless, you were always true to your country and to its interests.
Your unique capacity to understand human nature, that men could never be made into saints, kept you focused on the realities and on men as they actually were, with all their warts and blemishes.
You grasped the means by which change could and did occur under your 20-year guidance of your Dominion as its prime minister.
Langevin, your loyal friend, admired your tolerance, intelligence and understanding". I've been a fan of Sir John A. for over 30 years and I appreciate these words, he was our greatest Prime Minister and had a love for our land that has never been surpassed. While others claim to love Canada, his was the deep love of a parent to a child. Thank you Victoria for these words.

Well, only a few hour remain of Canada Day, or Dominion Day 2004, our 137th birthday. All I can say is the words of our national anthem: God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.O Canada, we stand on guard for thee . God keep and bless this Dominion.